Accessory Platform for a Helmet

ABSTRACT

An accessory platform is provided for use with a helmet and a helmet accessory having a first accessory power contact and a second accessory power contact. The accessory platform includes a base for attachment to the helmet and a rail coupled to the base and configured to mechanically engage the helmet accessory. The rail further includes first and second projections extending laterally in substantially opposite directions, a first groove formed in the first projection, and a second groove formed in the second projection. A first rail terminal formed of an electrically conductive material is disposed in the first groove and positioned to engage the first accessory power contact of the helmet accessory, and a second rail terminal formed of an electrically conductive material is disposed in the second groove and positioned to engage the second accessory power contact of the helmet accessory. A power source is coupled to the base and electrically communicates with the first and second rail terminals.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/632,750, filed on Jan. 31, 2012.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to safety helmets, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for mounting accessories onto helmets.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Helmets for head protection are worn in a variety of environments and for various purposes. A variety of accessories have been developed that may be attached to the helmet. These accessories may perform functions according to the needs of the wearer and the demands of the use environment. For example, accessories may provide lighting (such as a flashlight), enhanced visual capabilities (such as a night vision scope), image recording (such as a camera), or other functions.

The accessories are typically secured to the helmet using a mounting system. Conventional mounting systems typically include means for mechanical attachment to the helmet and a mounting structure, such as a rail, configured to mechanically engage the accessory. Because these mounting systems merely provide mechanical support, accessories requiring electrical power for operation must typically include their own power source, such as a battery. This not only increases the weight of the accessory, but also may require the user to carry spare batteries specific to the accessory. When multiple accessories are used with a helmet, the user may need to carry multiple different types of spare batteries.

SUMMARY OF THE DESCRIPTION

In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, an accessory platform is provided for use with a helmet and a helmet accessory having a first accessory power contact and a second accessory power contact. The accessory platform includes a base configured to mechanically engage the helmet, and a rail coupled to the base and configured to mechanically engage the helmet accessory. A first electrically powered rail terminal is coupled to the rail and positioned to engage the first accessory power contact of the helmet accessory, and a second electrically powered rail terminal is coupled to the rail and positioned to engage the second accessory power contact of the helmet accessory.

In another aspect of the disclosure that may be combined with any of these aspects, an accessory platform is provided for use with a helmet and a helmet accessory having a first accessory power contact and a second accessory power contact. The accessory platform includes a base including a first wall configured to mechanically engage the helmet, and a rail coupled to the base and configured to mechanically engage the helmet accessory, the rail having a length extending along a longitudinal axis. The rail further includes first and second projections extending laterally in substantially opposite directions along substantially the length of the rail, a first groove formed in the first projection, and a second groove formed in the second projection. A first rail terminal formed of an electrically conductive material is disposed in the first groove and positioned to engage the first accessory power contact of the helmet accessory, and a second rail terminal formed of an electrically conductive material is disposed in the second groove and positioned to engage the second accessory power contact of the helmet accessory. A power source is coupled to the base and electrically communicates with the first and second rail terminals.

In another aspect of the disclosure that may be combined with any of these aspects, an accessory platform is provided for use with a helmet and a helmet accessory having a first accessory power contact and a second accessory power contact. The accessory platform includes a base having a first wall configured to mechanically engage the helmet, a socket, a first socket power terminal disposed in the socket, and a second socket power terminal disposed in the socket. A rail is coupled to the base and configured to mechanically engage the helmet accessory. A first rail terminal is coupled to the rail and electrically communicates with the first socket power terminal, the first rail terminal being positioned to engage the first accessory power contact of the helmet accessory. A second rail terminal is coupled to the rail and electrically communicates with the second socket power terminal, the second rail terminal being positioned to engage the second accessory power contact of the helmet accessory. A power source is provided that includes a water tight housing having a contact end configured for removable insertion into the socket, a power storage cell disposed in the housing, a first battery power contact disposed on the housing contact end and electrically communicating with the power storage cell, the first battery power contact being positioned to engage the first socket power terminal when the housing contact end is inserted into the socket, and a second battery power contact disposed on the housing contact end and electrically communicating with the power storage cell, the second battery power contact being positioned to engage the second socket power terminal when the housing contact end is inserted into the socket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the disclosed methods and apparatuses, reference should be made to the embodiment illustrated in greater detail on the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary accessory platform according to the present disclosure mounted on a helmet.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of another exemplary accessory platform according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the accessory platform of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of a rail provided on the accessory platform of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, schematic view of the accessory platform of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the accessory platform of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a side view, in cross-section, of a portion of the accessory platform of FIG. 2 showing a battery inserted in a base socket.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale and that the disclosed embodiments are sometimes illustrated diagrammatically and in partial views. In certain instances, details which are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosed methods and apparatuses or which render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that this disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Various embodiments of an accessory platform for a helmet are disclosed herein. The accessory platform may include a rail having first and second electrically powered terminals positioned to engage contacts provided on one or more accessories. The accessory platform may further include a power source, such as a removable battery pack, that electrically communicates with the rail terminals. Accordingly, the accessory platform not only mechanically secures the accessory to the helmet, but also provides power for operating the accessory. As a result, the user need only carry one type of battery to power all accessories, making the accessory platform more convenient to use and reducing the number and/or types of batteries that he or she must carry.

Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of an accessory platform 20 is shown attached to a helmet 22. The accessory platform 20 is shown in FIGS. 1-7 as having a left-hand configuration adapted for attachment to a left side of an outer shell 24 of the helmet 22. It will be appreciated that the accessory platform 20 may have a right-hand configuration that is substantially a minor image of the right-hand configuration, or may be slightly modified as noted more fully below. The accessory platform 20 may be secured to the helmet 22 using any known means, such as apertures 26, 28 sized to receive fasteners 27, 29 for attaching the accessory platform 20 to the outer shell 24. While the helmet 22 illustrated in FIG. 1 is particularly suited for use in a military application, it will be appreciated that the helmet 22 may be configured for use in law enforcement, fire fighting, sports, video filming, or other types of applications.

Turning now to FIGS. 2-6, the accessory platform 20 includes a base 30 generally configured to conform to the contour of the outer shell 24. The base 30 includes an inner wall 32 (FIG. 6) that substantially overlies and engages the outer shell 24, and an outer wall 34 disposed opposite the inner wall 32. The base 30 may be fabricated from a synthetic plastic, such as nylon or polypropylene using an injection molding or other known process.

A rail 40 is coupled to the base 30 for mechanically securing an accessory 42, as best shown in FIGS. 2-4. The rail 40 may have a length “L” measured along a longitudinal axis 43. As best shown in FIG. 4, the rail 40 may include a pedestal 44 and a head 45 including first and second projections 46, 48 extending laterally outwardly from the pedestal 44 in substantially opposite directions. The first projection 46 may include an upper clamping surface 50 and a lower clamping surface 52. Similarly, the second projection 48 may include an upper clamping surface 54 and a lower clamping surface 56. The upper portion of the head 45 is segmented by transverse slots 58 (FIG. 2) configured to receiving a mating portion 60 of the accessory 42, thereby to locate the accessory 42 on the rail 40. The accessory 42 may then be secured in place on the rail 40 using any known clamping means. While the rail 40 illustrated in FIG. 4 is configured similar to a “Picatinny” type rail, it may be configured as a Weaver or other type of standard rail, or it may have a custom rail configuration.

The accessory platform 20 may include electrically powered, first and second rail terminals 62, 64 to communicate electricity to the accessory 42. As best shown in FIG. 4, the accessory 42 may include a first accessory power contact 66 and a second accessory power contact 68. The first and second accessory power contacts 66, 68 are formed of an electrically conductive material, such as nickel coated metal, to electrically communicate with an accessory component that requires electrical power to operate, such as a light, a camera, or night vision scope. The first rail terminal 62 may be disposed in a first groove 70 formed in the first projection 46 of the rail 40, while the second rail terminal 64 may be disposed in a second groove 72 formed in the second projection 48.

A first resilient member 74 may be disposed between the first groove 70 and the first rail terminal 62 to bias the first rail terminal 62 outwardly. Similarly, a second resilient member 76 may be disposed between the second groove 72 and the second rail terminal 64 to bias the second rail terminal 64 outwardly. The first and second grooves 70, 72 are located so that the first and second rail terminals 62, 64 are positioned to respectively engage the first and second accessory power contacts 66, 68. The first and second resilient members 74, 76 outwardly bias the first and second rail terminals 62, 64 to more reliably ensure that the rail terminals 62, 64 make sufficient contact with the accessory power contacts 66, 68 to communicate electricity to the accessory 42.

In some embodiments, the accessory platform 20 may include a power source that electrically communicates with the first and second rail terminals 62, 64 to electrically power the rails. While any power source, including a power source provided separate from the accessory platform 20, may be used to power the rail terminals 62, 64, certain benefits may be achieved by providing the power source integrally with the base 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the power source may be provided as a battery pack 80. The battery pack 80 may include a water tight, impact resistant battery housing 82 having a contact end 84 and a retention end 86. A power storage cell 88 is disposed in the battery housing 82 and electrically communicates with first and second battery power contacts 90, 92. The power storage cell 88 may be provided as a lithium polymer cell, a lithium ion cell, a lithium ion ion cell, a nickel metal hydride cell, nickel-zinc cell, zinc-air cell, silver-oxide cell, alkaline cell, zinc-chloride cell, and a fuel cell, or other known device for storing electrical power. The first and second battery power contacts 90, 92 are disposed on the contact end 84 of the battery housing 82.

The battery pack 80 may be detachably coupled to the base 30 to permit removal for recharging and/or replacement by a spare battery pack. To accommodate a removable battery, the base 30 may include a socket 94 configured to slidably receive at least the contact end 84 of the battery housing 82. The socket 94 and battery housing 82 may have complementary cross-sectional profiles that retain the battery pack 80 within the socket 94. For example, as best shown in FIG. 7, the battery pack 80 and socket 94 have cross-sectional profiles that are dove-tail shaped. To reduce wear caused by sliding the battery pack 80 into and out of the socket 94, the battery housing 82 may be formed of a material that is the same, or has substantially the same properties, as the material used to form the base 30.

First and second socket power terminals 96, 98 are disposed in the socket 94 and formed of an electrically conductive material. The first socket power terminal 96 electrically communicates with the first rail terminal 62, such as by first internal wire 97, while the second socket power terminal 98 electrically communicates with the second rail terminal 64, such as by second internal wire 99. The first and second socket power terminals 96, 98 are positioned to respectively engage the first and second battery power contacts 90, 92 when the contact end 84 of the battery housing 82 is inserted into the socket 94, thereby to communicate electricity from the battery pack 80 to the rail terminals 62, 64.

The battery pack 80 may be rechargeable to permit repeated use. A battery recharging device (not shown) may be configured to engage the first and second battery power contacts 90, 92, thereby to communicate electricity and recharge the power storage cell 88. Alternatively, the battery pack 80 may include a DC jack 93 electrically communicating with the power storage cell 88 that is engageable by a wall charger.

The battery pack 80 may further include protection against shorting when exposed to liquid. In the exemplary embodiment, the battery pack 80 may include a circuit protection chip that performs one or more of the following functions: shuts the battery off when a short is detected; protects the battery against overcharging; prevents complete discharge of the battery; maintains a constant charge and discharge of the battery; and protects the battery against power spikes.

The base 30 may be configured to releasably secure the battery pack 80 in the socket 94. As best shown in FIG. 3, the base 30 includes a retaining tab 100 movable between a released position and a locked position. In the locked position as shown in FIG. 3, the retaining tab 100 flexes outwardly (away from the helmet 22) to engage the retention end 86 of the battery housing 82. When manually pressed inwardly to the released position, the retaining tab 100 is clear of the retention end 86 to permit the battery pack 80 to slide out of the socket 94.

The accessory platform 20 may further include an integral system that is also powered by the battery pack 80. As best shown in FIG. 2, an integral task light system 110 is mounted on the base 30. The task light system 110 may include a first LED 112 and a second LED 114 that electrically communicate with a switch 116. The switch 116, in turn, electrically communicates with the battery pack 80 by a wire 118 extending through a wireway 120 formed in the base inner wall 32. The first LED 112 may have a first color, such as red or green, for generating a reduced light level, while the second LED 114 may have a second color, such as white, for generating an increased light level. The switch 116 may be operably coupled to a microcontroller that cycles operation of the LEDs 112, 114 through a predetermined sequence. For example, actuating the switch 116 a first time may illuminate only the first LED 112. Actuating the switch 116 a second time may turn the first LED 112 off and illuminate only the second LED 114. Actuating the switch 116 a third time may turn the second LED 114 off, so that neither LED is illuminated. Subsequent actuations of the switch 116 may repeat the sequence.

The embodiments of the accessory platform 20 described above are shown in the drawings in a left-hand configuration for attachment to a left side of the helmet 22. Additionally or alternatively, an accessory platform having a right-hand configuration may be attached to a left side of the helmet 22. The right-hand configuration may generally be formed as a mirror image of the left-hand configuration shown herein. Alternatively, the right-hand configuration may be modified, such as by omitting or adding features. For example, the right-hand configuration may omit the task light system 110.

Accessory platform embodiments are described above that provide electrically powered rail terminals to power accessories. The rail terminals are positioned to engage contacts provided on the accessory when the accessory is mounted on the rail, so that each accessory is automatically powered when it is attached to the rail. As a result, the accessory platform not only mechanically secures the accessory to the helmet, but also communicates electricity to power the accessory. The power source used to deliver electricity to the rail terminals may be integrally provided with the accessory platform. In certain embodiments, the power source is provided as a detachable, rechargeable battery pack. As a result, the user need carry only a single type of battery, and fewer total spare batteries, to power all of the helmet accessories. Additionally, the rail terminals are sufficiently long to simultaneously or individually power multiple connected devices.

While only certain embodiments have been set forth, alternatives and modifications will be apparent from the above description to those skilled in the art. These and other alternatives are considered equivalents and within the spirit and scope of this disclosure and the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An accessory platform adapted for use with a helmet and a helmet accessory having a first accessory power contact and a second accessory power contact, the accessory platform comprising: a base configured to mechanically engage the helmet; a rail coupled to the base and configured to mechanically engage the helmet accessory; a first electrically powered rail terminal coupled to the rail and positioned to engage the first accessory power contact of the helmet accessory; and a second electrically powered rail terminal coupled to the rail and positioned to engage the second accessory power contact of the helmet accessory.
 2. The accessory platform of claim 1, further comprising a power source electrically communicating with the first and second electrically powered rail terminals.
 3. The accessory platform of claim 2, in which the power source is removably coupled to the base.
 4. The accessory platform of claim 3, in which: the base defines a socket having a first socket power terminal electrically communicating with the first electrically powered rail terminal and a second socket power terminal electrically communicating with the second electrically powered rail terminal; and the power source comprises a battery pack having a contact end configured for insertion into the socket, a first battery power contact positioned to engage the first socket power terminal, and a second battery power contact positioned to engage the second socket power terminal.
 5. The accessory platform of claim 4, in which the base includes a retaining tab disposed adjacent the socket and configured to selectively engage the battery pack.
 6. The accessory platform of claim 2, in which the power source comprises a power storage cell disposed in a water tight housing.
 7. The accessory platform of claim 6, in which the power storage cell comprises at least one of a lithium polymer cell, a lithium ion cell, a lithium ion ion cell, a nickel metal hydride cell, nickel-zinc cell, zinc-air cell, silver-oxide cell, alkaline cell, zinc-chloride cell, and a fuel cell.
 8. The accessory platform of claim 2, further comprising a light system including a task light coupled to the base and electrically communicating with the power source.
 9. The accessory platform of claim 1, in which the rail comprises: a pedestal; first and second projections extending laterally from the pedestal in substantially opposite directions; a first groove formed in the first projection and configured to receive the first electrically powered rail terminal; and a second groove formed in the second projection and configured to receive the second electrically powered rail terminal.
 10. The accessory platform of claim 9, further comprising a first resilient member disposed between the first groove and the first electrically powered rail terminal, and a second resilient member disposed between the second groove and the second electrically powered rail terminal.
 11. The accessory platform of claim 1, in which the rail has a length sufficient to receive multiple accessories, and in which the first and second electrically powered rail terminals extend substantially the length of the rail.
 12. An accessory platform adapted for use with a helmet and a helmet accessory having a first accessory power contact and a second accessory power contact, the accessory platform comprising: a base including a first wall configured to mechanically engage the helmet; a rail coupled to the base and configured to mechanically engage the helmet accessory, the rail having a length extending along a longitudinal axis and including: first and second projections extending laterally in substantially opposite directions along substantially the length of the rail; a first groove formed in the first projection; and a second groove formed in the second projection; a first rail terminal formed of an electrically conductive material disposed in the first groove and positioned to engage the first accessory power contact of the helmet accessory; a second rail terminal formed of an electrically conductive material disposed in the second groove and positioned to engage the second accessory power contact of the helmet accessory; a power source coupled to the base and electrically communicating with the first and second rail terminals.
 13. The accessory platform of claim 12, in which: the base defines a socket having a first socket power terminal electrically communicating with the first rail terminal and a second socket power terminal electrically communicating with the second rail terminal.
 14. The accessory platform of claim 13, in which the power source includes: a water tight housing having a contact end configured for removable insertion into the socket; a power storage cell disposed in the housing; a first battery power contact disposed on the housing contact end and electrically communicating with the power storage cell, the first battery power contact being positioned to engage the first socket power terminal when the housing contact end is inserted into the socket; and a second battery power contact disposed on the housing contact end and electrically communicating with the power storage cell, the second battery power contact being positioned to engage the second socket power terminal when the housing contact end is inserted into the socket.
 15. The accessory platform of claim 12, further comprising a first resilient member disposed between the first groove and the first rail terminal, and a second resilient member disposed between the second groove and the second rail terminal.
 16. The accessory platform of claim 12, in which the rail has a length sufficient to receive multiple accessories, and in which the first and second rail terminals extend substantially the length of the rail.
 17. An accessory platform adapted for use with a helmet and a helmet accessory having a first accessory power contact and a second accessory power contact, the accessory platform comprising: a base including: a first wall configured to mechanically engage the helmet; a socket; a first socket power terminal disposed in the socket; and a second socket power terminal disposed in the socket a rail coupled to the base and configured to mechanically engage the helmet accessory; a first rail terminal coupled to the rail and electrically communicating with the first socket power terminal, the first rail terminal being positioned to engage the first accessory power contact of the helmet accessory; a second rail terminal coupled to the rail and electrically communicating with the second socket power terminal, the second rail terminal being positioned to engage the second accessory power contact of the helmet accessory; and a power source including: a water tight housing having a contact end configured for removable insertion into the socket; a power storage cell disposed in the housing; a first battery power contact disposed on the housing contact end and electrically communicating with the power storage cell, the first battery power contact being positioned to engage the first socket power terminal when the housing contact end is inserted into the socket; and a second battery power contact disposed on the housing contact end and electrically communicating with the power storage cell, the second battery power contact being positioned to engage the second socket power terminal when the housing contact end is inserted into the socket.
 18. The accessory platform of claim 17, in which the rail comprises: a pedestal; first and second projections extending laterally from the pedestal in substantially opposite directions; a first groove formed in the first projection and configured to receive the first rail terminal; and a second groove formed in the second projection and configured to receive the second rail terminal.
 19. The accessory platform of claim 18, further comprising a first resilient member disposed between the first groove and the first rail terminal, and a second resilient member disposed between the second groove and the second rail terminal.
 20. The accessory platform of claim 17, in which the rail has a length sufficient to receive multiple accessories, and in which the first and second rail terminals extend substantially the length of the rail. 